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"id": 252384,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/252384/?format=api",
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"speaker_name": "Prof. Kibwana",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Environment and Natural Resources",
"speaker": {
"id": 277,
"legal_name": "Kibwana Kivutha",
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"content": " Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to continue with my contribution. I would like to conclude my contribution by supporting the Motion. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is obvious that the debate on the Supplementary Estimates has taken more time than usual. Usually, the debate is concluded by January. The Financial Year is about to end. Parliament should take a cue from that and conclude the debate on the Supplementary Estimates, so that money can be availed. If that is not done, we will not be able to spend the money appropriately. The money will be returned to the Treasury. That will be a bad indicator that Government Ministries and parastatals are not spending their money appropriately. So, it is essential that this House acts expeditiously on this matter. Mr. Speaker, Sir, hon. Members have been accused of not responding to these Estimates and, as a consequence, failed to make money available for Kenyans, particularly those who are suffering from drought and famine. One way to prove them wrong is by passing the Supplementary Estimates today. The House should further public and national interests, and not personal interests as some of our critics would want the country to believe. Therefore, it is important that we rise to the occasion. When one looks at most of the areas where money is required until the end of June, they are very deserving. There is money for youth, women, drought and education. One really hopes that Parliament will expeditiously support these Supplementary Estimates. By doing that, we will address needy issues that are affecting our people. Mr. Speaker, Sir, issues affecting parliamentarians can be debated in the usual way, without appending them to Supplementary Estimates. That is how Parliament should do its business. So, without wasting much time, I urge this honourable House to expeditiously pass these Estimates. It is in the national interest to secure our people, particularly those in hardship areas. I was in my constituency over the weekend. It was clear that more seeds are needed. Famine relief is needed. Many roads and bridges have broken down. This money will assist not only Makueni, but many parts of the country. A lot of money has been allocated for the supply of electricity. Again, many places in this country require electricity, and it is necessary to assist them. It is not correct for hon. Members not to pass these Estimates, because of the Constituencies Development Fund (CDF). It is a fact that we have not discussed the CDF Report. So, one cannot legitimately argue that hon. Members are resisting these Estimates because they want the CDF to be enhanced. When we discuss the CDF Report, we shall cross that bridge. So, I am happy to note that we have a quorum and we finalise this matter today. If we have any other interests, we shall lay them on the Table. With those few remarks, I beg to support."
}